Campus Life

Set up a campus visit and be sure to tour Lourdes Commons, our amazing 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. If possible, make it an overnight stay to explore the possibilities in our hometown and neighboring communities.

Courses

You may register for the following activities, classes, and events by contacting 419-824-3707 or email lifelong@lourdes.edu.

Registration may be made by credit card or check. Checks should be made payable to LULL (Lourdes University Lifelong Learning) and mailed to: Lourdes University Lifelong Learning, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania OH 43560.

Native Americans of the Great Lakes

Jamie Oxendine

Sept. 7-Oct. 19 (6 weeks)
Thurs., 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Who were the first people to live here? Discover the culture of Native American tribes that settled around the Great Lakes and their enduring legacy. Join us even if you missed last spring’s popular class “Native American Culture.”

Of Lumbee/Creek ancestry, Jamie Oxendine is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He is a professional educator, musician, writer, storyteller and civil rights activist. Jamie is also director of the Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation.

Let’s Visit & Grow More Natives!

Sept. 9, Sept. 23, and Oct. 7 (meets 3 times)
10 a.m.-noon, Saturday

Join Cindy, a local native plant enthusiast, for a second course to explore local area native ecosystems and learn even more about native plants! We will lend a hand to local agencies while learning seed collecting skills, planting techniques, and more while enjoying the beauty of local native populations in the Oak Openings Region. Bring your gloves, camera, sturdy closed toed shoes and dress for the weather. We will take field trips each class with some walking required. Carpooling is highly recommended. The first class will meet at Lourdes to discuss details and directions for future classes. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if you missed the class Let’s Grow Natives last spring.

Cindy is a Lourdes Alumni and has worked for the Olander Park System growing, selecting, and planting native plants in flower beds and restoration projects. She is excited to share even more knowledge and experiences with you as we visit other agencies! Let’s Visit & Grow More Natives!

Wines of the Southern Hemisphere vs. the World

Nick Kubiak

Monday, Sept. 11-25 (3 weeks)
6:30-8:30 p.m.

This course will focus on the intricacies of wines from Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. We’ll discuss these wine regions of the southern hemisphere, the grape varietals, and the growers who make it all happen. Come taste how special these wines are. Learn how they compare to wines from around the world. Each class will provide 6 wines to taste. You may bring your own food for pairing.

Instructor Nicholas Kubiak is a veteran of the wine industry, Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits, and a world travel enthusiast.

Beginning & Developing Bridge

Ben Beazley

Sat., Sept. 16-Oct. 21 (6 weeks)
10 a.m.-noon

This is a class for those beginning bridge and for players who wish to improve basic skills. Classes will cover correct bidding, playing of the hand, and defensive strategies. All sessions will include bidding, playing, and discussing typical hands. A student book is included.

Ben Beazley has been a Bridge Life Master for many years and enjoys playing regularly in local duplicate games. He has extensive experience as a bridge instructor; he has tutored students individually and taught UT faculty groups as well as courses at Belmont Country Club and the Ottawa Hills Village Life Program.

Connections

David Doane

Wednesday, Sept. 2010 a.m.-noon

No one is an island. Our nature is to be connected – mind, body, and spirit — with one’s self, with others, and with the world. Join in this program consisting of didactic input, experiential exercises, and discussion to enjoyably explore our connections as human beings, to enhance our connections, and to better appreciate the personal/interpersonal/universal connection we live in.

Dr. Doane is a licensed psychological with a private practice in Perrysburg. He specializes in psychotherapy with individuals, couples, and families wanting to enhance individual and relationship connection and growth.

Women in Science Redux

Dr. Anjali Gray

Wed., Sept. 20-Oct. 18 (5 weeks)
11 a.m.-noon

Women have been pioneers in every field of science, but they’ve faced unique challenges over the last few centuries. This course will focus on the contributions of more successful women scientists, looking especially at the factors that helped them succeed despite those challenges. We will also analyze the historical, social, cultural and scientific barriers to the success of women in science. Participation in last spring’s course is not a requirement and previous students are encouraged to return for new scientists to study.

Dr. Anjali D. Gray is a professor in the department of Biology & Health Sciences at the Lourdes University. She has taught a wide variety of classes from introductory biology to upper level core courses at Lourdes for the last 11 years. Her favorite subject is Genetics.

Sacred Journeys

Betty Dorcas, MS

Wed., Sept. 20-Nov. 1 (7 weeks)
3-4:30 p.m.

Pilgrimages are as old as humanity, yet they’re more popular today than ever before. Tens of millions go on a pilgrimage each year. Join us for guided discussions as together we watch Sacred Journeys, a landmark series in which New York Times author Bruce Feiler travels with American pilgrims on six historic pilgrimages. Each week will focus on a different faith and destination.

In Lourdes, France, bathe in sacred waters with wounded soldiers from around the world in a moving search for healing and reconciliation. In southern Japan, trek with Buddhist pilgrims on an 800-mile, 88-temple journey as they seek personal salvation and renewal. In Jerusalem, follow the trail of pilgrims from the three Abrahamic traditions as they ground their faith in one of the holiest cities on Earth. In Mecca, go behind closed doors of the Hajj in a rare, intimate look at pilgrims making the trip of a lifetime. In India, plunge into the Ganges during the largest human gathering on earth the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years. And in Nigeria, dance at water’s edge with African-Americans at a spectacular Yoruba festival where they reclaim their religious roots.

Thinking Outside the Box: Number 9 – a Magic Number

Barbara Mauter

Friday, Sept. 2210-11:30 a.m.

Participants in previous “Thinking Outside the Box” workshops have requested yet more THINKING! Have you missed out on these activities in the past? Now is your chance to join the challenge of TOB. This course will present new metacognitive activities (“thinking about thinking”). You will also explore lateral thinking, and take part in new interactive “thinking” activities. This workshop will offer yet even more challenging and thought-provoking puzzles to stimulate your creative thinking. NOTE: Attendance in previous “Thinking Outside the Box” workshops is not a prerequisite.

Barbara Mauter is an adjunct instructor with over 20 years college experience. She has taught and presented various workshops for the UT, BGSU, Monroe County Community College and Owens State Community College. She attended a CDI (Course Design Institute) and has been excited to share her new knowledge. Her interests center around thinking, reading and how our minds work. She is known for her critical thinking class activities.

King Coal

Bud Fisher

Monday, Sept. 259-11 a.m.

West Virginia, Pennsylvania and southeastern Ohio, the coal mining state of Appalachia began producing vast amounts of coal in the middle 1800s. Coal played a major part in America’s rise to become the leading industrial nation in the world. It played a major part in WW I production and also in the arsenal of democracy the led to our victory in WW II. Coal was once called the miracle fuel when it became the main source of power, replacing wood and before the days of oil and natural gas. But there was a dark side to the production of coal. King Coal was a cruel, demanding master. It demanded great tracts of once pristine land, huge investments in coal camps, machinery, railroad lines, and buildings. It befouled the air and the streams, demanded long hours of back breaking work, while it maimed and killed its workers with cave ins, explosions, silicosis and black lung disease.

Bud Fisher has made a number of trips to the coal country of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and southeastern Ohio and has written extensively on the cruel, largely unknown boom and bust world of King Coal. He will discuss the great benefits that coal has given to us and the price was have paid for those benefits. Whether coal will ever make a return as a major source of power in America will also be discussed.

Spanish for Pleasure

Raquel Bravo

Session 1: Sept. 25 – Oct. 18 (4 weeks)

Session 2: Oct. 30 – Nov. 15 (3 weeks)

Mondays & Wednesdays,10 -11:30 a.m.

Come speak Spanish with us! Whether you’re starting out or developing your skills, this is the most fun and relaxing way to learn! Class time will focus on this beautiful Latin language and a little of its culture and history. After class, everyone is invited to practice Spanish during lunch at the Lourdes Café (price of lunch not included). The textbook for this class, 15-Minute Spanish, includes two audio CDs.

Raquel Bravo is a native Spanish speaker who has taught English/Spanish bilingual education and adult education. She is a retired school administrator who has enjoyed traveling to Spain, Mexico and South America extensively. She is eager to share her love of the Spanish language with you!

Bridge Plays

Ben Beazley

Tues., Sept. 26-Oct. 24 (5 weeks)10-noon

Play better bridge, be a better partner, and enjoy the game even more! Classes are designed to improve your bidding, playing, and defensive skills. Add the most used and popular bidding conventions and defensive tactics to your game. Biding, playing, and discussion of pre-dealt hands in each session. Bring your questions of specific areas of interest. Informational handouts will be provided.

Contours of Constitutional Privacy

Dr. Shari O’Brien

Thurs., Sept. 28-Oct. 19 (4 weeks)1:30-3:45 p.m.

How do Americans define privacy? What are the zones of privacy in which ordinary Americans reasonably expect to be secure from intrusion? How did privacy become a constitutional interest despite the fact that the word per se is not used in the Constitution? At what point do other compelling interests collide with privacy interests? How has the Supreme Court protected privacy rights?

Through a review of important case law, we will explore privacy as it relates to marital and reproductive rights, the right to die, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and in the emerging electronic and biometric spheres. There will be time for class discussion and small group activity. As time allows, we will also review some of the most interesting Supreme Court cases from the past term.

Create Your Own Color Book Design

Craig Rochkin

Wednesday, Oct. 410:30-12:30 p.m.

Coloring books for adults have become very popular recently, and in this workshop you will learn how easy it is to design your own unique patterns to color. Using simple tools, you can get started on creating and expanding on your own ideas to make original art work. No art background is necessary! All materials will be supplied.

Craig Rochkin is a life-long artist with degrees from Wayne State University, Northeastern University and The Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston. He has taught classes in Ann Arbor, Boston and the San Francisco Bay area.

Crocheting Creations Part 2

Mary Jo Blohm

Mondays, Oct. 2-30 (5 weeks)10 a.m.-noon

Are you ready to take your crocheting to the next step? Advance to more difficult crochet projects, learn new stitches, or get help reading patterns. This class will help you with your creation, so bring your project, yarn and hooks to class! Crocheting Creations (part 1) is a prerequisite.

Mary Jo Blohm recently retired and is looking forward to traveling, reading and crafting. She was introduced to crocheting at an early age and has taught herself to follow various patterns and create individualized projects. Some of her crocheted items are sold at All Good Things.

Great Decisions – 2017

Norm Thal

Tuesdays, Oct. 3-24, Nov. 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5

1-2:30 p.m.

Dig deeper into the hottest topics in foreign affairs! The most significant issues of our time are explored by the Foreign Policy Association in a Briefing Book and television series. The result is Great Decisions – 2017, in which eight subjects are covered, ranging from the prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan, to nuclear security, to U.S. Foreign Policy and petroleum, to trade and politics. Each Lifelong Learning session begins with the appropriate television segment, and is followed by a spirited and wide-ranging discussion among the group. Note that this class will cover the same topics as the Great Decisions class offered in the spring semester.

Veteran facilitator Norm Thal returns to add his experiences from around the world, and keep the arguments lively and on track. The textbook required for this class, “Great Decisions,” is available at the Lourdes bookstore for about $25. For a unique exploration of the world around us, join Great Decisions – 2017!

Pet Therapy or PET Scan

Pamela A. Rybka LPCC, LSW

Friday, Oct. 6

10:30-11:30 a.m.

The furry and feathered creatures in our lives are more than pets. Research tells us they help improve the quality of our lives throughout the lifespan, from helping children learn to read, adults manage mental illness and older adults live longer. Bring your cat-a-tude and join us as we ‘tweet’ about the dog gone benefits of pet therapy. (Please feel free to bring pictures of your fur babies).

With humor and sensitivity Pam will assist you in learning ways to nurture your body, mind and spirit with insights from the other end of the leash. Pam is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Social Worker. Her background working with children and older adults has led her to specialize in the field of Health Psychology.

Become a Cubist

Craig Rochkin

Wednesday, Oct. 11

10:30-12:30 p.m.

In the early twentieth century, visual artists such as Picasso began exploring the natural world by breaking down its components into basic geometric shapes. In this two-hour workshop, students will learn an easy approach that will transform their simple still life into an interesting “Cubist” work of art. No art background is necessary. Materials will be supplied.

A Workout for Your Brain

Barbara Mauter

Friday, Oct. 13

10-11:30 a.m.

We all know that exercising our bodies is good for us, yet what can we do to exercise our brains? Plan to join us for a collection of activities and ideas to keep your mind sharp! Class will include take home activities to continue your workout. No bands, ellipticals or weights on this class.

Ireland and the Irish Language

Noah Roderick

Monday, Oct. 16

5-7 p.m.

If you visit Ireland, one of the first signs you’ll see in the airport will read “Welcome to Ireland.” But you might notice another set of words written just above: “Fáilte go hÉireann.” As you make your way through the airport, you’ll become aware of this pairing on almost all of the signs you see: Eitiltí Isteach/Arrivals, Slí Amach/Exit, and so on. This is Gaelic, or the Irish language. And how those words ended up on official signs in a primarily English-speaking nation will be the subject of this class. We will explore ancient Irish history and contemporary Irish politics through the lens of the Irish language. In doing so, we will concentrate on the roots of the Irish language and how it relates to other European languages, the Irish literary tradition, English/British colonialism and the suppression of the Irish language, Irish nationalism and the Gaelic Renaissance, and contemporary issues in Irish language preservation and education. We will also—just for fun—learn to pronounce a few basic phrases in Irish. Fáilte Romhaibh Go Léir! (All are welcome!)

Dr. Noah Roderick is an associate professor of English at Lourdes University. He is the author of The Being of Analogy (2016), along with several articles in the areas of rhetoric, linguistics, and philosophy. One of his biggest passions is the revitalization of indigenous and minority languages. In the summer of 2017, he co-led a study abroad program in western Ireland for Lourdes University students, where he taught many of the topics covered in this course.

Tales of the Telegraph

Dr. Susan Shelangoskie

Wednesday, Oct. 25

10-11 a.m.

The telecommunications era so familiar to us today through the internet, social media, and digital technologies started in the nineteenth century with the telegraph. And just as technologies capture the imagination today (e.g. Dial M for Murder, Poltergeist, James Bond’s gadgets), the telegraph became a key element in stories of that era. Though many of these first tales have been lost over time, Dr. Shelangoskie presents stories about telegraph workers that have been buried in the pages of Victorian periodicals for more than 100 years. In these stories, the telegraph is used to counterfeit identity, thwart crime, catch fleeing lovers, and generally abet and detect all manner of social mayhem. After learning about these technology origin tales, participants will see how everything old is truly new again!

Dr. Susan Shelangoskie is a Professor of English at Lourdes University. She teaches courses in British and world literature, and specializes in Victorian literature, technology, and culture. Her scholarly work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Victorian Culture and LIT: Literature, Interpretation, Theory.

World War I

Dr. Dwayne Beggs

Thurs., Oct. 19-Nov. 16 (5 weeks)

9-10:30 a.m.

Dr. Dwayne Beggs has taught popular classes on many military conflicts for Lifelong Learning. Now we will focus on the War to End All Wars. Dr. Beggs earned a M.A. and a Ph.D. in U.S. Diplomatic/Military History from BGSU. He has taught a Vietnam War class at BGSU for the past 3 years. He also holds an M. Div. and served as a Youth Pastor / Associate Pastor for 22 years.

Iconography of Christian Saints in Art History

Kristin Baldeschwiler

Saturday, October 21

10 a.m. – 3 p.m., including lunch break

You’ve heard their names in and around Toledo…Hedwig, Adalbert, Aloysius, and so many more. Who were these saints after whom so many of our churches were named? Join Kristin to explore the origins of the Christian saints, their iconography, and their presence in local church communities. A lunch catered by the Lourdes Café is included in the cost of this class.

Kristin Baldeschwiler, a 2003 graduate of Lourdes, received her BA in Art History, works in medical education, and currently serves as the Historian for the Toledo Federation of Arts Societies.

Masterworks of French Architecture and Gardens in the age of King Louis XIV

Dr. Dick Putney

Tuesday, Oct. 24-31 (2 weeks)

3-5 p.m.

Study great works of art, architecture, and landscape design created in the age of King Louis XIV, who reigned 1643-1715. Works will include the great palace of the Louvre, and the palace and gardens of the Tuileries, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Versailles, and other great chateaux and gardens that surround the city of Paris. Special emphasis will be placed on the art, architecture, and gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, the seat of political power once King Louis XIV installed the royal court there.

Dr. Putney curated the Louvre’s/Toledo Museum of Art’s international exhibition The Art of the Louvre’s Tuileries Garden. Professor of Art History Emeritus at the University of Toledo, Dr. Putney also serves as a Consulting Curator for the Toledo Museum of Art’s Cloister Gallery.

Fused Glass

Amanda Rabara

Thursday, Nov. 2

10-noon

Create your own fused glass art! Instructor Amanda Rabara will guide you through the fun and easy process, and the beautiful results will delight you! Create 3 pieces, and you choose whether they become pendants, pins, or magnets. Pick up your finished pieces on campus Nov. 17 or after.

The Psychology of Your Heart

Pamela A. Rybka LPCC, LSW

Friday, Nov. 3

10-11:30 a.m.

True heart health comes from within. Through your heart you find your way in the world. Come and learn to listen to your heart’s wisdom, inner intelligence and find the true heart of heart health. One heartbeat at a time we will explore heart health from a spiritual perspective with Pam Rybka, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Social Worker. Her background working with children and older adults has led her to specialize in the field of Health Psychology.

The Battle and Memorial Landscape of Gettysburg

Dr. Dick Putney

Tuesday, Nov. 7-14 (2 weeks)

3-5 p.m.

The Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was the largest battle ever fought in the western hemisphere. This class will discuss the importance of the battle—often referred to as the turning point of the Civil War—as well as Gettysburg’s great memorial landscape and monuments, developed by veterans from the 1860s through the early 20th century.

Since 1997 Dr. Putney has done significant research and photography focused on Gettysburg’s memorial landscape and its more than 1,300 monuments and markers; he also taught the battle’s history to future Army officers for the University of Toledo’s ROTC chapter.

Size of Space

Laura Megeath

Wednesday, Nov. 8

11:30-12:30 p.m.

How big is the Universe? We have started to explore the Universe beginning with space probes reaching out to our own Sun and the rest of the solar system. Much more lies beyond the solar system and the Milky Way! Visit nebulae, globular clusters, galaxies and black holes as we travel as far as telescopes can see. After the show in the Appold Planetarium, continue the conversation over lunch at the Lourdes Café (price of lunch not included).

Laura Megeath is the Coordinator of both Lifelong Learning and the Appold Planetarium.

Rx for Laughter

Barbara Mauter

Friday, Nov. 10

10-11:30 a.m.

Studies have shown that laughter can actually improve your health! They have found that laughter establishes – or restores – a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between people. Some researchers believe the major function of laughter is to bring people together. Why not try a Laughter Rx workshop? Are you ready to have some FUN and laugh? Join us as we take a look at the “lighter side of life” and laugh away many of our cares. We will take both a cachinnatory and a serious look at this prescription and the health benefits that may result.

Kaffeeklatsch: A Pre-Thanksgiving Culinary Conversation

Mary Bilyeu

Thursday, Nov. 16

11-noon

Let’s talk about Thanksgiving: What are you serving or bringing? Are there dietary issues to consider at your gathering? And, most importantly, do you prefer pumpkin or pecan pie? Join in a pre-holiday conversation with Mary Bilyeu, Food Editor at The Blade. Bring a cup of coffee to our kaffeeklatsch and we’ll provide a treat to go with it!

Mary Bilyeu began as the Food Editor at The Toledo Blade in 2014. She also writes about food for the Washtenaw Jewish News, has written for the publications of the Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor, and will be a contributor to the travel site Roadfood when she can find the time to write about the amazing restaurants in northwest Ohio instead of just tempting her friends with pictures of her meals on social media.

History of Art Lecture Series – Courses Listed Below

Art Before Time: Mysterious Prehistoric Art

Chris Rilling

Tuesday, September 5

1-3 p.m.

Travel to the ends of the Earth to sample cave drawings in Spain, Stonehenge in England, Australian Aboriginal “dreaming” and many more exotic places.

The Egyptians: From Osiris to Tut

Chris Rilling

Tuesday, October 10

1-3 p.m.

Over 3000 years, this relatively small empire created some of the world’s most colossal and historic monuments –all of it centered around the “afterlife”.

It’s All Greek to Me!

Chris Rilling

Tuesday, November 14

1-3 p.m.

From a primitive background they created the ideal of classical beauty that is still universally admired today.

Roaming Around the Roman Empire

Chris Rilling

Tuesday, December 5

1-3 p.m.

For a thousand years, this huge empire became a melting pot that absorbed and adapted art from many different cultures.